DW Paid Traineeship 2028–29 in Germany

The DW Traineeship is Deutsche Welle’s intensive bilingual journalism training programme for people seeking to build careers as multimedia reporters and editors.

The 2028 intake begins on 3 January 2028 and runs for 18 months until June 2029. Training is centred at DW’s broadcasting locations in Bonn and Berlin, with additional newsroom placements and potential experience at international DW bureaux.

Trainees develop practical journalism skills across television, radio and online media. Training covers areas including digital storytelling, data journalism, multimedia production and emerging forms of journalism.

Participants attend seminars led by experienced trainers while also completing practical placements within DW editorial teams.

International placements may take place in DW bureaux including Brussels, Washington, Jakarta, Jerusalem, Riga and Delhi, depending on programme arrangements.

DW welcomes applicants from journalism backgrounds as well as career changers. Applicants from technology, IT, science, politics, economics and law are particularly mentioned, but candidates from many other professional and academic fields may also apply.

The programme is paid throughout its 18-month duration.

Salary increases during the traineeship:

First 6 months: €2,196 gross per month

Second 6 months: €2,374 gross per month

Final 6 months: €2,473 gross per month

• Hold a completed university degree, college qualification or recognised apprenticeship/vocational qualification by the start of the traineeship.
• Applicants from journalism and non-journalism backgrounds may apply.
• Have initial experience in journalistic work.
• Demonstrate creativity and an interest in journalism.
• Have social media expertise.
• Be able to work effectively under deadlines.
• Be able to work as part of a team.
• Meet DW’s English and German language requirements.
• Native speakers of a DW programme language should have excellent English and good German.
• Native English speakers should have good German.
• Native German speakers should have excellent English.
• Applicants are welcomed regardless of nationality.

• Paid 18-month journalism traineeship.
• €2,196 gross monthly salary during the first six months.
• €2,374 gross monthly salary during the second six months.
• €2,473 gross monthly salary during the final six months.
• Professional multimedia journalism training.
• Practical experience in television, radio and online journalism.
• Training in digital storytelling and data journalism.
• Seminars with experienced journalism trainers.
• Placements within major DW editorial teams.
• Training in Bonn and Berlin.
• Potential placements at international DW bureaux.
• Opportunity to create original journalism projects.
• Exposure to international media environments.
• Career opportunities with Deutsche Welle after successful completion.

The current application portal requests or allows applicants to provide:

• Europass-format CV.
• Recent relevant certificates and qualifications.
• Up to three work samples.
• Information about language skills.
• Passport copy for international applicants.
• Residence permit copy where applicable.
• Cover letter, where provided.
• Additional relevant documents.

After registration, applicants must also complete:

• Online questionnaire.
• Video application.

DW considers factors including:

• Relevant qualifications.
• Language ability.
• Initial journalistic experience.
• Creativity.
• Social media expertise.
• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines.
• Teamworking ability.
• Quality of application materials.
• Questionnaire responses.
• Video application.
• Creative ideas presented during the selection process.
• Performance in subsequent online assessment stages where applicable.

• Train with Germany’s international broadcaster.
• Develop multimedia journalism skills across TV, radio and digital platforms.
• Gain experience within professional international newsrooms.
• Learn from experienced journalists and trainers.
• Work on original journalism projects.
• Build skills in digital storytelling and data journalism.
• Experience journalism in Germany and potentially international DW bureaux.
• Develop an international media network.
• Build a pathway towards future journalism opportunities with DW.